Washington, D.C. – Today, Governor Cuomo falsely attacked the North Country and Congresswoman Elise Stefanik.
“It’s no wonder that Governor Cuomo’s current approval ratings are in the abysmal 20s in the North Country. Governor Cuomo has been so busy blaming everyone else (President Trump, healthcare workers, seniors, De Blasio, nursing home administrators, and the New York Post) for his own fatal failures to manage New York’s COVID crisis, that he and his political cronies must have forgotten how to read before lobbing this false attack,” said Congresswoman Stefanik. “I have been clear and consistent throughout the COVID crisis calling for robust support for local governments. In fact, to the Governor’s dismay, on every call I have had with County and local elected officials and school districts, their plea has been to ensure that funds are direct to counties and do not flow through Albany because they know all too well Cuomo’s punitive and damaging record of withholding funds from local governments. Let’s not forget that Governor Cuomo refused to release billions in FMAP money to counties until I publicly called on him to do so. If anyone is withholding money from our counties, it’s Governor Cuomo. In addition to the $9 billion in direct federal aid to New York State and the $165 million I have personally worked to deliver to North Country hospitals, I have a clear and consistent record of advocating for increased funding for our state and local governments throughout the COVID-19 crisis and I will continue to work with my bipartisan colleagues on this critical issue – and I will not be dissuaded by the Governor’s efforts to deflect from his own widely panned and abysmal record.”
Setting the Record Straight:
“Rep. Elise Stefanik in a letter released Tuesday urged Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to back aid to New York's state government as well as the local governments who have been financially battered by the coronavirus pandemic.
“The letter comes as lawmakers in Congress are negotiating the details of the next pandemic stimulus package that would result in direct aid to states and local governments who have had their revenue evaporate during the crisis.
“While the CARES Act provided significant funding to support state budgets, there is still critical need for further funds,” Stefanik said.”
Find a copy of the letter here.
- Ripon Advance: Upton, Stefanik introduce bipartisan bill to establish $500B state, local recovery fund
“U.S. Reps. Fred Upton (R-MI) and Elise Stefanik (R-NY) on Tuesday introduced a bipartisan, bicameral bill that would provide $500 billion in emergency funding to every state, county and community across the nation and prioritize assistance to the areas having the greatest need.
“The SMART Fund will provide direct, flexible assistance to our local governments and municipalities to help them get back on their feet,” said Rep. Stefanik on Tuesday. “I will continue to work with my colleagues in a bipartisan fashion in order to ensure that our communities continue to receive critical support throughout this crisis and beyond.”
“On Tuesday, North Country Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-Schuylerville) and fellow representatives sent a letter to Congressional leadership requesting financial assistance for state and local governments that have been devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic in future relief legislation.
“According to a press release, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act did not include direct funding for local governments with fewer than 500,000 people.
“The North Country needs direct assistance in order to continue to provide essential services to communities," Stefanik said in a statement.”
April 1: STEFANIK SENDS LETTER REQUESTING MORE FUNDING FOR NEW YORK IN THE NEXT FEDERAL LEGISLATIVE PACKAGE
May 5: STEFANIK REQUESTS FUNDING FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS
May 18: STEFANIK INTRODUCES BILL SUPPORTING STATE AND LOCAL FUNDING
June 11: STEFANIK SENDS LETTER URGING INCREASED FUNDING FOR NEW YORK MTA
July 21: STEFANIK SENDS LETTER TO LEADER MCCONNELL IN SUPPORT OF STATE AND LOCAL FUNDING
